Another Viewpoint: Take a bow, Painesville City Schools

Another Viewpoint is a column The News-Herald makes available so all sides of issues may by aired. Kathleen P. Dolney lives in Painesville.

In the months of September, October and November, I had the opportunity to attend the Painesville City Local Schools Board of Education meetings. Each month a different principal was asked to showcase his school. What I saw and heard were narrations of dedication and innovation occurring daily in our schools. District wide we are often not cognizant of the sacrifices that our colleagues make, Allow me to share some of those highlights.

In September, teacher Wendy Camper and Principal Greg Towns had an opportunity to showcase Elm Elementary School. Wendy is a dedicated teacher in her fourth year at Elm. She wrote a grant entitled "The Single Gender Classroom Project." In her classroom of 26 fifth-grade males, Wendy focuses on thematic units and hands-on activities. Her students are committed to day community service (with younger students) and they participate in "Tie Tuesday" to adopt the "look" and "feel" of a young professional male. Oh, the compliments that has generated! Weekly her students are provided with an additional hour of physical education, computer science, library and art. This approach has drastically changed classroom dynamics. Her students admit to having more fun while learning; getting along well with peers; and not having to show off for the girls! Hats off to Wendy, Principal Towns and his staff at Elm!

In October, librarian Laurette Starkey, Principal Dan Sebring, teacher Maria Valvoda and several students enlightened us on what's been happening at Maple Elementary School. The results are truly remarkable! In a devoted effort to improve both reading and test scores, a program entitled "One Maple One Book" was instituted. Each semester one book is chosen and the entire student body, parents, teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians all read that book. This semester's book is "School Days According to Humphrey." Not only does Humphrey (a hamster) have his own Facebook page, but author Betty Birney has made a video exclusively for Maple. The enthusiasm for this program has had a domino effect. Maple Library book circulation has skyrocketed from 15,814 books in 2009-10, to 29,264 books in 2011-12! Similarly, the number of Accelerated Reading Tests passed has risen from 4,209 in 2009-10 to an amazing 12,958 last school year. "One Maple One Book" coupled with the "Millions for Maple Reading Challenge" and the "Summer Reading Challenge" have together provided a 12-month program that is unsurpassed! Congratulations to Principal Sebring, Librarian Starkey, teachers Maria Valvoda and Kerry Spence and the entire staff at Maple Elementary School on your School of Excellence rating!

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In November, Principal Van McWreath of Harvey High School outlined his goals and vision for the school year. He has had an unusual challenge in that each of the three members of the administrative team is new. Primary goals include recognizing student achievement, improving staff morale and consistently enforcing discipline. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Harvey staff and administration, these positive changes have occurred since day one! Mr. McWreath reports that the transition has been smooth, accountability has been increased for both students and staff, and the focus has returned to academics. Part of his vision is a major focus on the Big Three: Be on Time; Do What's Right; and Do Your Best. In promoting school pride, he has instituted Student of the Month, Senior of the Month and Teacher of the Month awards. A newly formed Staff Pride Committee has established both "Pride Bucks" and "Circle of Excellence Awards" to acknowledge positive student behavior. All of these efforts will culminate in two activities: The Principal's Breakfast for both students and parents to recognize academic achievement; and "Pride Day," to champion pride and positive contributions to HHS. Despite the elimination of hall monitors and with the increased communication and consistent enforcement of discipline, attendance has improved, halls are clear, and the focus has returned to academics! An improved State Report Card, OGT scores, and graduation rate are sure to follow. Great job, Mr. McWreath and the staff of Harvey High School!

Historically, Painesville City Local Schools have taken a bad rap. Yes, our schools face unique challenges. Yes, there are students who do not reflect positively on our schools. As in the past, we continue to celebrate our diversity and our rich traditions! I would challenge you to look around at individuals making positive contributions to our community. You will find charitable and service organizations chaired by Harvey grads as well as dedicated professionals who choose to stay in the area. They are true examples of Raider Pride! They are the results of dedicated parents and educators, such as those listed above, who cared. After Mr. McWreath's presentation at the November meeting, board member Steve Costell said after a few recent visits to Harvey that things are "Terrific!" I would say that terrific things are also happening at Elm and Maple! Take a bow, Painesville City Local Schools!